The Truth About Flu Shots DC

By Mattie Knight


The population of the nation's capital is approximately 660,000. The population density is around 10,000 per square mile. It does not take a genius to work out that a city of these size with that many people could be brought to its knees in a large-scale epidemic of influenza. Not only that, but who wants to look at a president on television with red eyes and a runny nose. We expect more from the leader of the free world. This is why there is a need for flu shots DC.

Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that anywhere from three thousand to 49 thousand people die from influenza. Many others develop chronic breathing problems. Complications of the flu include viral or bacterial pneumonia, asthma, or sinus infections.

Influenza is itself caused by a virus and cannot be contained by the use of drugs, such as antibiotics. Its incidence can, however, be controlled by having as many people as possible immunized from the disease. Those who go on to develop the disease despite having the vaccine are fortunate to have only a light case. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), everyone should receive a vaccination once every year.

Except for the rare individual meeting certain specific criteria, anyone older than six months of age is strongly urged to have a vaccination every year. Some people are at a higher risk of complications or a more serious case of influenza than the general population. This high-risk group includes pregnant women, seniors over the age of 65, and children under five years old. Natives of Alaska and American Indians also appear to be at an elevated risk of flu complications and are also advised to have the jab.

Influenza vaccinations are also recommended for people who have certain medical conditions. These are people with chronic lung problems such as cystic fibrosis, asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Also, anyone with a compromised immune system or disorders of the liver or kidney fall into this category. Kids who are not yet 19 years old but who have been taking long-term aspirin should also receive the jab, as should anyone with a Body Mass Index (BMI) that is higher than 40.

Any high profile medical issue attracts certain misconceptions and the influenza vaccination is no exception. One popular myth doing the rounds is that pregnant women need permission from their regular doctor if they want to get the injection at a workplace clinic, pharmacy or anywhere else but their local doctor's office. This is not the case.

Another widely held belief is that the influenza vaccination actually causes the disease. This is quite impossible. Either the injection contains no virus whatsoever, or what virus it does contain has been inactivated. Sometimes people get side effects from the jab, for instance, headache, muscular aches or a low fever. Usually, people will feel a little sensitive around the injection site for a day or two.

It is important to note that influenza is a respiratory disease. It is not to be mistaken with what people call stomach flu, which consists of vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. While these may accompany influenza, when these symptoms present on their own they are not presumptive of influenza.




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